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Brookfield foundation aids grads

BROOKFIELD — Wanting to help fellow classmates and graduates of Brookfield schools battling serious illnesses or having other financial needs, the Every Class Helping Others Foundation was established in 2009 and held its annual fundraiser at Yankee Lake Ballroom.

ECHO is a nonprofit group that inspires people of the community to make a difference in the lives of other Brookfield High School alumni in need through volunteer commitment and generosity.

Lisa Hahn, one of the original founding members, said since starting 11 years ago, 35 families have been helped.

“Our goal is to help alumni and family members facing serious problems or medical conditions.” Hahn said, noting the group has raised funds to help people with medical bills, taxes, mortgage payments or other needs.

Hahn said Brookfield residents can apply through the foundation with funds going directly to paying the bills or costs.

“We do not pay money to the person directly but pay the bill,” Hahn said.

This past weekend a fundraiser dinner and basket raffle was held with more than 125 items as part of the raffle. Near 700 people attended, organizers said.

“When we started the group we helped two alumni families facing catastrophic issues,” she said.

The ECHO Foundation was created in 2009 by a Brookfield resident who wanted to help those two classmates.

Now, all of the money raised goes to help Brookfield alumni and their families who have experienced a tragic event or need a helping hand.

Hahn said the event is like a big class reunion: The foundation has representatives from classes of 1966 to 2007.

The name ECHO came from the name of the Brookfield school yearbook.

Mary Jo Sanitate, one of the ECHO founding committee members, said she is amazed at all the people who attend the fundraiser to help out.

“We get a wide array of people who come through the door to help support their classmates and other alumni. It impresses me how supportive people have been since we started. It is overwhelming how many people attend this each year,” she said.

Township Trustee Ron Hahn said the event is all about helping others. “It’s a great event. Everyone has a lot of fun,” he said.

Local country music artist Chris Higbee was at the event to perform.

To help the ECHO Foundation, visit its Facebook page.

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